Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that adds a fresh twist to your usual grilled chicken. This simple recipe uses fresh blackberries and balsamic vinegar to create a vibrant marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the blackberry balsamic marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the remaining marinade.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken!
Tips & Variations
- For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- If fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen berries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid before blending.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for extra aroma.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet to maintain moisture. Marinate time and marinate separately for up to 24 hours if preparing in advance.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Is it necessary to discard the leftover marinade?
Yes, to avoid contamination, do not use leftover marinade as a sauce unless it is boiled thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
PrintBlackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blackberry balsamic mixture, then grilled to perfection. The blend of fresh blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey creates a vibrant glaze that enhances the savory flavor of the grilled chicken, making it a perfect dish for a healthy, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the blackberry balsamic marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred with grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and enhance tenderness. Serve with fresh blackberries or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh blackberries rather than frozen.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can double the marinade ingredients for larger quantities of chicken.
- This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a light couscous salad.
Keywords: blackberry chicken, balsamic chicken, grilled chicken, summer chicken recipe, healthy grilled chicken
